What is Poetry Out Loud?

Poetry Out Loud (POL) is for students in grades 9-12. It is part of a national arts education program that builds on elements of slam poetry and spoken word to engage students with the power of literature. The program is a partnership between The National Endowment for the Arts and The Poetry Foundation. ArtsWA coordinates and manages Poetry Out Loud in Washington State.

Who can participate?

Since 2005 over 170 Washington schools have registered for Poetry Out Loud. The program brings great classic and contemporary poems to life through out-loud recitation. This school year, students and schools across Washington State have more opportunities than ever before to participate in Poetry Out Loud.

Two ways to register:

• Schools will continue to be able to register as in previous years.
• Students in grades 9-12 from schools that choose not to register, and homeschooled students will be able to register in the all-new POL Virtual statewide program.

Learn more about Poetry Out Loud and register a school or an individual student online at ArtsWA’s Poetry Out Loud registration page.

Registration is open from August 16th through November 19th.

Need more information?

Contact ArtsWA’s POL Coordinator at poetry.out.loud@arts.wa.gov